P. W. Catanese

Children grow up learning the story of Hansel and Gretel and their trip through the woods to the gingerbread house. We even know how they got away. But what we don't know is what happened after the witch was destroyed. Now is our chance. Rudi lives in the woods with his uncle, his horrible aunt, and Lucie and Elsebeth. His aunt is not happy about having so many mouths to feed and she complains regularly. When she takes Lucie and Elsebeth on a walk through the woods with her husband and show more leaves them there Rudi is angry and worried. He sets out to find them and encounters a strange looking woman. Looks can be deceiving and the stranger helps Rudi find the girls, but first he has to promise to never bother her again. When the trio gets back to the cottage a man is there who wants to be taken to a cottage further in the woods. They must get help from the strange woman again, which is very dangerous. On the way there they discover more about the man’s real identity and what he really wants. Fog is everywhere and it adds to the spooky feeling in the woods. Unfortunately, there is an evil warlock lurking in the forest and it's after the very man they're accompanying. All the fog they are running into is a trap. Now the warlock has his sights set on them. Is there any way to get out of his clutches? What does he really want? Can the terrible creature be stopped? You'll have to find out by reading this riveting tale!

I was excited to read The Eye of the Warlock by P.W. Catanese after finishing two of the author’s other books, and I was not disappointed! I enjoyed finding out what became of Hansel and Gretel, and I liked the way the characters developed. Rudi loves the young girls and will do anything to protect them. He's a great character, but his anger is his downfall. The evil characters play their part well. Boy do you despise them! Just like the characters, the reader gets to figure out what's real and what is an illusion. Don’t get tricked by the fog! I recommend this book to kids in fourth grade and up who enjoy fantasy, fairytales, and twists on stories. I look forward to reading more books by this author! show less

There's always something to be said when you read a book for the third time and enjoy every minute of it, excitedly waiting for a favorite passage or character. That's how this book is.

Not only is the writing good, but the world, plot, characters -- everything. It's all great and unique. Happenstance is a very sympathetic yet cool character, Umber is brilliant and curious, Sophie is intriguing and interesting. The world is super detailed and yet not overwhelming.

You open this book up show more expecting the usual fantasy adventure, but trust me. You get so much more. show less

Most kids grow up knowing the story of Jack and the Beanstalk. They know how he climbed the giant beanstalk and stole goods from the giant. What many of us don't know is what happened to Jack after he got back. In this twisted fairy tale we learn about Nick, who comes years after Jack. He's a thief out of necessity to fill his belly and to survive in a world where he has no one but himself. When Nick gets connected to an evil gang of men his only choice is to break into a gigantic home and show more steal the treasures inside. When Nick climbs in and makes his way to the center of the home he's shocked to discover paintings that tell the story of Jack and the Beanstalk. He sees the Golden Hen and tries to steal it, only to come face to face with Jack, who fills him in on what’s happened since he came down the stalk and shares a deep regret he has about the incident. Nick gets to see the magic bean, and when the opportunity arises, he takes it. Outside he drops the bean and an enormous beanstalk sprouts up before his eyes. The energy from the plant is extraordinary, and he begins the climb to the top. The giant Jack had encountered may be gone, but that doesn't mean there aren’t giants at the top. The creatures have many ways to terrorize young thieves. Can Jack right the wrongs of his pilfering? Will Nick be able to get the treasure he so desires? Is there any way to make it back down the stalk alive? Your questions will continue to grow as you turn the pages!

The Thief and the Beanstalk by P.W. Catanese is the third Further Tales Adventure I’ve read by this author. I couldn't wait to pick up another one! I was just as enchanted with this story and it brought back memories of the version I had heard of Jack and the Beanstalk. I liked that the main character is one I could sympathize with even though he was a thief. It was also fun getting to learn what happened to Jack after he came down to earth. I was on the edge of my seat through most of this book because the bad guys were so bad! I recommend this book to kids in fourth grade and up who like fantasy. A great book to bring out discussion about fairy tales and what happened to characters after-the-fact. show less

Elly says: Book 2 in the Books of Umber series is more of the same, but even faster. Happenstance learns more about himself, and about Lord Umber, who is actually from Earth's future. Fuller character development, non-stop adventure, sobering assassinations and several death scenes that could be disturbing to younger readers..